REGIONAL CHALLENGE FUND

Call – RFA/100007

Organization Funded: UMT

Project Description 

This project, the Cooperative Training Program in Software Design & Development and Tourism Management, Hospitality, and Events, aims to tackle Albania’s significant youth unemployment issue, which stands at 27.2% according to the 2019 INSTAT survey. It addresses the challenges faced by graduates in integrating into the labor market due to a skills gap, as highlighted by studies from the University of Tirana and Metropolitan Tirana University. Despite a relatively favorable employment rate among MTU alumni, the university seeks to elevate standards by collaborating with private companies, with 62.8% of graduates employed in the private sector. Submitted to the Regional Challenge Fund, the proposal endeavors to establish innovative training programs with three partner companies to enhance study programs, align curricula with practical needs, and bridge the gap between theory and practice. The project strategically tackles youth unemployment by aiming to enhance graduate employability through essential partnerships with the private sector.

Mission and Goals:

Main Mission:
To enhance the employability of students enrolled in professional programs (Tourism and ICT) at MTU.

Objectives:
• To Enhance the curricula of 2-year professional study programs in tourism management and software design and development to focus more on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge.
• To Provide students with the opportunity to undertake professional internships with leading companies in Albania.
• To Assist partner companies in reducing recruitment costs and identifying potential employees trained by them.
• To Transform the education model by introducing an innovative collaboration model between VTIs and companies.
• To Invest in student training in two key sectors of the Albanian economy: Tourism and ICT.
• To Graduate a minimum of 135 skilled students prepared for employment in their respective fields of study.
• To Ensure the employability of at least 50 students who successfully participate in the project.
• To Establish a sustainable university-business cooperation practice by creating more opportunities for students to enter the labor market.

Partners

• Albanian Busness
• SOFTMOGUL
• AlbPastrim
• Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
• REVO HOSPITALITY GROUP

PROJECT FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION